Camper

ABSTRACT

A camper having passive solar climate controls. The camper has a solar structure carried by a base. The solar structure includes a cover, a window panel, a ridge vent, a plurality of awnings, and a plurality of side panels. The ridge vent and the awnings are carried by the cover and the window panel. The window panel and the cover are each pivotally attached to the base such that they are rotated toward the base into a collapsed position and/or away from the base into an extended position. A gable connector secures the cover and the window panel in the extended position. The side panels cooperate with the cover and the window panel to define an interior within the camper. The window panel includes a window and a solar curtain adapted to releasably cover the window. The ridge vent is received by a ventilation opening proximate the gable connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.11/269,172, filed Nov. 8, 2005.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to camper structures. More particularly, thisinvention pertains to a camper structure including a device that usessolar energy to provide passive climate controls within the camperstructure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recreational camper structures in a variety of designs and forms areused widely by persons who desire convenient yet mobile campingfacilities. A variety of recreational camper vehicles and accessorieshave been developed which are intended to travel over rough terrain oroff-the-road conditions so that at the arrival at a campsite, the campervehicle may be used for sleeping, living or storage purposes. Of thesecamper vehicles, many provide off-road camping facilities which includemotor vehicle drawn trailers that have a camper structure adapted to becollapsed for storage and expanded for use.

Many current collapsible camper structures are constructed withoutheating and air-conditioning systems. Therefore, in many camperstructures, the temperature of the camper vehicle interior is notsusceptible to control. Instead, the user must understand and accept thepotential temperature extremes that can occur within the camperstructure and plan his or her use of the camper structure accordingly.

Occasionally, collapsible camper structures are equipped with devicesutilizing combustible fuel sources, such as propane, for heat. However,fuel for these heating devices is often expensive and environmentallyunfriendly. Moreover, the fuel must be transported for use with thecamper structure, and often, fuel storage consumes a considerable amountof space within the camper structure.

Several prior art devices in the field of camper structures currentlyexist. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the followingU.S. patents:

U.S. Pat. No. Inventor(s) Issue Date 3,807,104 Webster Apr. 30, 19744,201,413 Rowe May 6, 1980 4,807,924 Kottke Feb. 28, 1989 5,375,902Church Dec. 27, 1994

Of these patents, U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,104, issued to Webster, disclosesa collapsible structure comprising a pair of rectangular panels hingedtogether and to a pair of triangular panels. The rectangular panels areadapted to be hingedly folded and arranged in parallel to one another.The triangular panels are adapted to be folded for storage and receivedbetween the rectangular panels. The rectangles can be rotated proximateone another to define an inverted V-shaped structure, and the trianglescan be folded outwardly and fastened into position once the rectangularpanels are folded outward.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,413 ('413), issued to Rowe, discloses an improvementin folding apparatus for expandable top camper bodies. The '413 patentincludes a bi-fold panel comprised of two foldable panel sections hingedto each other and to the lateral wall of the camper and the top of thecamper. The hinges are spring-loaded to self actuate and push the topupwardly to its expanded position and retain it in that position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,924 ('924), issued to Kottke, discloses a foldingcamper for mounting in a pick-up truck. The camper includes a baseframe, a pair of roof panels hinged to the sides of the base frame andadapted to fold inwardly, and a pair of triangular-shaped front and rearpanels hinged to the front and rear ends of the base frame. The frontand rear panels are adapted to fold inwardly beneath the roof panelssuch that the folding camper can be oriented into traveling mode.

Church, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,902, discloses a trailer intended to bedrawn by a motor vehicle. The trailer has a wheeled body with a bottomand a continuous sidewall defining an internal storage cavity closeableby a hinged lid. The external side of the lid carries a storage rackwhile the internal side attaches with one-half of a folding tent-likestructure. The other half of the tent-like structure is secured to theperipheral edge of the body sidewall and rigid support rods arepivotally carried on the hinge line of the lid so that when the lid israised, the tent-like structure is deployed into a fully extendedoperative position.

Other devices have been developed to utilize solar energy in the heatingand cooling field. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in thefollowing U.S. patents:

U.S. Pat. No. Inventor(s) Issue Date 3,595,216 Lanciault Jul. 21, 19715,379,753 Noennich Jan. 10, 1995 5,582,197 Dobberstein Dec. 10, 19966,812,397 Lambey Nov. 2, 2004

U.S. Pat. No. 3,595,216, issued to Lanciault, discloses a mobile solarwater heater. The water heater includes a water tank and water heatingcoils positioned in a heater box. The heater box is exposed to solarenergy, and the water heater is mounted on the top of a camper.

Noennich, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,753 ('753), discloses a solar panelcontrol apparatus for varying the position of a solar panel mounted upona roof. The '753 device includes a solar panel support frame, togetherwith several pivoting support members interconnected in such a way as toallow the angular positioning of a solar panel proximate the surface ofa roof. The control apparatus is adapted to allow a solar panel to bemounted on a motorized vehicle.

A fabric tent incorporating solar reflective and absorbent surfaces isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,197, issued to Dobberstein. The fabrictent walls are constructed to include insulated liners and solarreflective and absorptive surfaces. The walls assemble to an irregulartriangular shape and can be reversed to optimally collect and reflectsolar and thermal radiation in relation to one or more occupants and theprevailing conditions. Rotating vents with overlapping apertures controlinterior temperature.

A photocurrent-generating fabric and support is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,812,397 ('397), issued on Nov. 2, 2004. The '397 device isintended to be used as a shade, awning, blind and swimming pool cover.The device includes a photocurrent-generating fabric and a support forwinding and storing the fabric. The support is formed by an axisymetrictube of regular polygonal cross-section around the periphery of whichthe fabric is wound. The photocurrent-generating fabric includes a layerof interconnected photovoltaic cells.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A camper with passive solar climate controls is disclosed. The camperincludes generally a solar structure carried by a base. The solarstructure includes a cover, a window panel, a ridge vent, a plurality ofawnings, and a plurality of side panels. The ridge vent and the awningsare carried by the cover and the window panel. The window panel and thecover are carried by the base. The side panels cooperate with the coverand the window panel to form an interior within the camper.

The cover includes a substantially rigid opaque surface with protrudingsidewalls. The sidewalls protrude substantially orthogonally from theopaque surface, proximate the edges of the opaque surface. The coverincludes a first end and a second end. The cover first end is pivotallyconnected to the base by a first hinge, such that the cover is rotatedaway from the base into an extended position, and toward the base into acollapsed position.

The window panel includes a window fixedly connected to a frame, and asolar curtain adapted to releasably cover the window. The window definesa substantially transparent surface. The window panel includes a firstend and a second end. A second hinge pivotally connects the first end ofthe window panel to the base opposite the cover, such that the windowpanel is rotated away from the base into an extended position, andtoward the base into a collapsed position. Additionally, the secondhinge cooperates with the frame to substantially define the perimeter ofthe transparent surface.

The solar curtain comprises a panel that is both heat-reflective andheat-insolative. The solar curtain is adapted to releasably cover thewindow. This configuration allows the solar curtain to be positioned toreflect solar radiation while insulating the cooler air within theinterior, or to allow solar radiation to enter and warm the interior.

The opaque surface of the cover defines a substantially arcuate profilewith a concave surface and a convex surface. The concave surface facesinwardly, and the convex surface faces outwardly. Likewise, the windowdefines a substantially arcuate profile with a concave surface and aconvex surface. The concave surface faces inwardly, and the convexsurface faces outwardly. This configuration provides structural strengthto the window panel and the cover. Furthermore, the arcuate profilereduces the need for additional structural support for the window, whilealso increasing the aerodynamic properties of the cover.

When in the collapsed position, the window panel is folded toward thebase such that the window panel is substantially flush with the top ofthe base. The cover is folded toward the base and positioned above thewindow panel. This configuration allows the cover to define a protectiveshield for the window panel and the base during transportation of thecamper.

When in the extended position, the cover second end and the window panelsecond end are held in a gabled configuration by a gable connectorcomprising a pin or other suitable connector. A ventilation opening ispositioned between the window panel second end and the cover second end.Once configured to the extended position, the ridge vent is adapted tobe received by the ventilation opening.

The ridge vent is selectively movable between an open position and aclosed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge vent includesa screen and a damper. The screen is adapted to be received by theventilation opening such as to substantially fill the ventilationopening and to allow air ventilation through the screen. The damper ismovably attached to the cover proximate the ventilation opening such asto allow the damper to be adjusted from a position completely blockingthe ventilation opening to a range of positions varying the degree towhich the damper blocks the ventilation opening. This configurationallows the damper to regulate air ventilation through the ridge vent.

The gable connector is offset from the cover second end such that thesecond end of the cover extends above the second end of the windowpanel. This configuration defines an overhang proximate the ventilationopening, which extends above the ventilation opening and shelters theventilation opening from exposure to precipitation.

The solar structure includes at least one awning. The awning acts toblock solar radiation, providing shade to the air surrounding theexterior of the side panels. Each awning includes a shade panel definingan opaque surface, and each shade panel is supported by a plurality ofsupport members.

At least one side panel cooperates with the cover and the window panelto enclose an interior within the camper. At least one side paneldefines a vent opening. Each vent opening is openable and closable toallow for regulation of air ventilation to the interior. At least oneside panel further defines an opening to provide user access to theinterior of the camper. The side panels, awnings, and ridge vent andtheir corresponding operability work together to allow the user toregulate ventilation and internal thermal comfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description of the invention readtogether with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a camper constructedin accordance with several features of the present invention, showingthe solar structure in the extended position with the awning in place;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view, in perspective, showing the cover and thewindow panel of the camper of FIG. 1, exploded from their relativeextended positions;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle frame portion of the camperof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view, in perspective, showing the awnings of thecamper of FIG. 1 exploded from the first and second hinge and the gableconnector;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation view, in section taken along 5-5 ofFIG. 1, of the ridge vent of the camper of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a side elevation view of the camper of FIG. 1, showing thecover and the window panel in the collapsed position;

FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the camper of FIG. 1, showing thecover and the window panel in the extended position prior toinstallation of the gable connector; wherein the cover and the windowpanel are pivotally unsupported;

FIG. 6C is a side elevation view of the camper of FIG. 1, showing thecover and the window panel in the extended position after installationof the gable connector; wherein the cover and the window panel areconnected to define a roof structure;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the camper of FIG. 1, showing thecover and the window panel in the extended position with a side panel inplace;

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevation view of an alternative embodiment ofa camper constructed in accordance with several features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a camper, showing the cover andthe window panel in the extended position with the awning partiallyexploded from the solar structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A camper with passive solar climate controls is disclosed. The camper,illustrated at 10 in the figures, provides a unique mobileliving-support system adapted to utilize solar energy for heating andcooling the interior of the collapsible camper vehicle, and forregulation of ventilation and internal thermal comfort.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a camper 10constructed in accordance with several features of the presentinvention. The camper 10 includes generally a solar structure 12 carriedby a base 14. The solar structure 12 includes a cover 32, a window panel34, a ridge vent 36, a plurality of awnings 38, and a plurality of sidepanels 40. The ridge vent 36 and the awnings 38 are carried by the cover32 and the window panel 34. The window panel 34 and the cover 32 arecarried by the base 14. As discussed in greater detail below, the sidepanels 40 cooperate with the cover 32 and the window panel 34 to form aninterior 42 within the camper, and to regulate ventilation and internalthermal comfort.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view, in perspective, of the cover 32 andthe window panel 34 of the camper 10. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, thecover 32 includes a substantially rigid opaque surface 44 withprotruding sidewalls 46. The sidewalls 46 protrude substantiallyorthogonally from the opaque surface 44, proximate the edges of theopaque surface 44. The cover 32 includes a first end 52 and a second end54. The cover first end 52 is pivotally connected to the base 14 by afirst hinge 56 and cooperating first hinge pin 57, such that the cover32 is rotated away from the base 14 into an extended position, andtoward the base 14 into a collapsed position.

The window panel 34 includes a window 58 fixedly connected to a frame60, and a solar curtain 92 adapted to releasably cover the window 58.The window 58 defines a substantially transparent surface 62. The windowpanel 34 includes a first end 68 and a second end 70. A second hinge 72cooperates with a second hinge pin 73 to pivotally connect the first end68 of the window panel to the base 14 opposite the cover 32, such thatthe window panel 34 is rotated away from the base 14 into an extendedposition, and toward the base 14 into a collapsed position.Additionally, the second hinge 72 cooperates with the frame 60 tosubstantially define the perimeter of the transparent surface 62.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the opaque surface 44 of the cover 32 definesa substantially arcuate profile with a concave surface 48 and a convexsurface 50. The concave surface 48 faces inwardly, and the convexsurface 50 faces outwardly. Likewise, the window 58 defines asubstantially arcuate profile with a concave surface 66 and a convexsurface 64. The concave surface 66 faces inwardly, and the convexsurface 64 faces outwardly. This configuration provides structuralstrength to the window panel 34 and the cover 32. Furthermore, thearcuate profile reduces the need for additional structural support forthe window 58, while also increasing the aerodynamic properties of thecover 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 32 and the window panel 34 areshown in their extended position. As discussed in greater detail below,the cover second end 54 and the window panel second end 70 are held in agabled configuration by a gable connector 76 comprising a pin or othersuitable connector. While positioned in this gabled configuration, theridge vent 36 is positioned between the cover second end 54, and thewindow panel second end 70.

The solar structure 12 includes at least one awning 38. The awning 38acts to block solar radiation, providing shade to the air surroundingthe exterior of the side panels 40. The awning 38 includes a shade panel104 held in place by a plurality of support members 106.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes an awning 38 constructed in accordancewith the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, one awning 38is provided for each of the two side panels 40. Each awning 38 includesa shade panel 104 defining an opaque surface, and each shade panel 104is supported by three support members 106. Of course, those skilled inthe art will recognize that more or fewer support members may beutilized to accomplish the awning feature of the present invention. Thesupport members 106 extend orthogonally outwardly from the solarstructure 12, proximate the perimeter of each of the side panels 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, one support member 106 telescopically extends fromeach of opposite ends of the first hinge pin 57. Similarly, one supportmember 106 telescopically extends from each of opposite ends of thesecond hinge pin 73, and one support member 106 telescopically extendsfrom each of opposite ends of the gable connector 76. This configurationallows the user to extend the support members 106 axially outwardly fromthe first and second hinges 56, 72 and the gable connector 76, and thento affix a plurality of shade panels 104 to the extended support members106. It is recognized that those skilled in the art will appreciateother configurations to accomplish the awning of the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the base portion ofthe camper, better illustrating the configuration of the base 14. In theillustrated embodiment, the base 14 defines a trailer vehicle 16 adaptedto be towed by an automobile or other motor vehicle. The trailer vehicle16 includes a platform 18 mounted on a vehicle chassis 20. A wallstructure 22 is carried by the platform 18 and defines the perimeter ofthe platform 18. The wall structure 22 carries the solar structure 12and provides support for the various elements of the solar structure 12.In the illustrated embodiment, the wall structure 22 comprises a firstwall 24, a second wall 26, a third wall 28, and a fourth wall 30. Ofcourse, it will be recognized that the configuration depicted in thisand the other figures with regard to the base is so depicted forsimplicity, and is not intended to limit the base to such configuration.To this extent, the solar structure 12 of the present invention isfurther adapted to be installed on an existing vehicle to accomplish thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first carriage wall 24 defines a first trough 25positioned along its upper edge. Similarly, the second carriage wall 26defines a second trough 27 positioned along its upper edge. It will beunderstood that the fabrication of the troughs 25, 27 can beaccomplished by numerous conventional means, such as by routing out theupper edge of a traditional, rectangular wall.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second hinges 56, 72 are eachdefined by a substantially cylindrical housing. The first trough 25receives the first hinge 56 and the second trough 27 receives the secondhinge 72. The first and second hinge pins 57, 73 are each defined by asubstantially cylindrical member of sufficient cross-sectional diameterto be received by cooperating hinges 56, 72. Each hinge 56, 72 definesan opening adapted to allow the cooperating hinge pin 57, 73 to rotateaxially within the hinge 56, 72. Of course, one skilled in the art willrecognize other configurations suitable to accomplish the first andsecond hinges 56, 72 without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

In the present embodiment, the first and second hinges 56, 72 are fixedto the first and second troughs 25, 27, respectively. The first hingepin 57 is fixed to the cover first end 52 and received by the firsthinge 56. The second hinge pin 73 is fixed to the window panel first end68 and received by the second hinge 72. In this configuration, the cover32 rotates about the first hinge 56 and the window panel 34 rotatesabout the second hinge 72.

In another embodiment, each hinge 56, 72 and corresponding hinge pin 57,73 is defined by a single, integrated member (not shown). In thisembodiment, the first and second hinges 56, 72 are fixed to the coverfirst end 52 and the window panel first end 68, respectively. The firstand second hinges 56, 72 are rotatably fixed within cooperating troughs25, 27 by conventional means, such as by a connection member received bycooperating receiving members in the respective troughs 25, 27. In thisconfiguration, each hinge 56, 72 rotates freely within each cooperatingtrough 25, 27. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate manyadditional configurations to rotatably attach the cover first end 52 tothe first wall 24 and the window panel first end 68 to the second wall26. To this extent, it is appreciated that each hinge 56, 72 may berotatably attached to its cooperating wall 24, 26 using a suitableconnection member received by cooperating receiving members in the base14.

FIG. 4 better illustrates the configuration of the support members 106to the solar structure 12 of the camper 10. FIG. 4 is an exploded view,in perspective, showing the awnings 38 exploded from the first hinge pin57, the second hinge pin 73, and the gable connector 76. As betterillustrated in FIG. 4, one support member 106 is adapted to be receivedby each of opposite ends of the first hinge pin 57. Similarly, onesupport member 106 is adapted to be received by each of opposite ends ofthe second hinge pin 73, and one support member 106 is adapted to bereceived by each of opposite ends of the gable connector 76.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover second end 54 includes a first throughbore 78 and a second through bore 79, each configured substantiallyorthogonally to the protruding sidewalls 46. The first through bore 78is disposed proximate the cover second end 54, and the second throughbore 79 is disposed proximate the cover first end 52. Similarly, thewindow panel second end 70 includes a third through bore 74 and a fourththrough bore 75, each configured substantially orthogonally to the frame60. The third through bore 74 is disposed proximate the window panelsecond end 70, and the fourth through bore 75 is disposed proximate thewindow panel first end 70. The gable connector 76 is adapted to bereceived by the first and third through bores 74, 78 and to hold thefirst and third through bores 74, 78 in substantial registration.Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the first hinge pin 57 is received by thesecond through bore 79 and the first hinge 56 to pivotally connect thecover 32 to the first wall 24. The second hinge pin 73 is received bythe fourth through bore 75 and the second hinge 72 to pivotally connectthe window panel 34 to the second wall 26. Each support member 106 isadapted to extend axially outwardly from the first and second hinge pins57, 73 and the gable connector 76. Each shade panel 104 is adapted toreceive a plurality of extended support members 106 to define an awning38.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of thesolar structure 12, showing the ridge vent 36 connected to the cover 32.A ventilation opening 82 is positioned between the window panel secondend 70 and the cover second end 54. In the illustrated embodiment, thecover second end 54 and the window panel second end 70 cooperativelydefine the ventilation opening 82. However, those skilled in the artwill recognize other configurations for the ventilation opening 82 thatcan be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

The gable connector 76 and the corresponding through bores 74, 78 areoffset from the cover second end 54 such that the second end of thecover extends above the second end 70 of the window panel. Thisconfiguration defines an overhang 84 proximate the ventilation opening82, which extends above the ventilation opening 82 and shelters theventilation opening 82 from exposure to precipitation.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a ridge vent 36 is adapted to be received bythe ventilation opening 82. The ridge vent 36 is selectively movablebetween an open position and a closed position. In the illustratedembodiment, the ridge vent 36 includes a screen 88 and a damper 90. Thescreen 88 defines a substantially permeable medium such as fabric orother suitable material. The screen 88 is adapted to be received by theventilation opening 82 such as to substantially fill the ventilationopening 82 while allowing air ventilation through the screen 88. Thedamper 90 is a panel capable of limiting air flow through theventilation opening 82. The damper 90 is movably attached to the cover32 proximate the ventilation opening 82 such as to allow the damper 90to be adjusted from a position completely blocking the ventilationopening 82 to a range of positions varying the degree to which thedamper 90 blocks the ventilation opening 82. This configuration allowsthe damper 90 to regulate air ventilation through the ridge vent 36.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the screen 88 and the damper 90 are hinged toeach other along associated edges and are hinged to the cover 32proximate the ventilation opening 82. This configuration allows thescreen 88 and the damper 90 to be hingedly folded toward each other andarranged in parallel relation to substantially block the ventilationopening 82. The damper 90 is pivoted away from the screen 88 to allowair ventilation through the ridge vent 36.

In the illustrated embodiment, the damper 90 and the screen 88 aresecured to each other and to the cover 32 by a frictional hinge 86 suchthat the frictional hinge 86 holds the damper 90 and the screen 88 inplace proximate the ventilation opening 82. In another embodiment, thescreen 88 and the damper 90 are hinged to each other along associatededges and are hinged to the window panel 34 proximate the ventilationopening 82. In still another embodiment, the screen 88 is frictionallysecured to substantially fill the ventilation opening 82. The damper 90is policably fastened to the ventilation opening 82 such that the damper90 is removed from the ventilation opening 82 to allow air ventilationthrough the ridge vent 36 and fastened to the ventilation opening 82 tolimit air ventilation through the ridge vent 36. Of course, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that many other devices andconfigurations may be used to secure the screen 88 and the damper 90proximate the ventilation opening 82 without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a side elevation of the camper, showing the cover 32 and thewindow panel 34 in the collapsed position. When in the collapsedposition, the window panel 34 is folded toward the base 14 such that thewindow panel 34 is substantially flush with the top of the wallstructure 22. The cover 32 is folded toward the base 14 and positionedabove the window panel 34. This configuration allows the cover 32 todefine a protective shield for the window panel 34 and the base 14during transportation of the camper 10.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6A, the second end 54 of the cover is adaptedto movably connect to the second end 70 of the window panel by the gableconnector 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the gable connector 76comprises a pin. The gable connector 76 is keyed to the first throughbore 78 proximate the second end 54 of the cover and the second throughbore 74 proximate the second end 70 of the window panel. The gableconnector 76 secures the second end 70 of the window panel 34 to thesecond end 54 of the cover 32. Thus, the gable connector 76 supports thecover 32 and the window panel 34 in a gabled configuration.

FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of a camper 10 of the presentinvention, showing the cover 32 and the window panel 34 in the extendedposition prior to installation of the gable connector 76 (See FIG. 5).As shown in FIG. 6B, the cover 32 and the window panel 34 are pivotallyunsupported. FIG. 6C shows the cover 32 and the window panel 34 pivotedsuch as to bring the through bores 74, 78 into substantial registration.The gable connector 76 is received by the through bores 74, 78, suchthat the cover 32 and the window panel 34 are supported in the extendedposition. In the extended position, cooperating edges of the cover 32,the window panel 34, and the wall structure 22 define a plurality ofside perimeters 80.

FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the camper 10 of the presentinvention, showing the cover 32 and the window panel 34 in the extendedposition. As shown in FIG. 7, at least one side panel 40 cooperates withthe cover 32 and the window panel 34 to enclose an interior 42 withinthe camper 10. Each side perimeter 80 is adapted to receive at least oneside panel 40, and at least one side panel 40 defines a vent opening 96.Each vent opening 96 is openable and closable to allow for regulation ofair ventilation to the interior 42. At least one side panel 40 furtherdefines an opening 108 to provide user access to the interior 42 of thecamper.

The side panels 40 are adapted to engage the cover 32 and the windowpanel 34 to define an interior 42. In the illustrated embodiment, eachside panel 40 is adapted to be removably attached to each side perimeter80. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that each sidepanel 40 can be permanently attached to at least one edge of the sideperimeter 80 without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. To this extent, more or fewer side panels may be employed toenclose a living space within the camper invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the vent opening 96 includes a side screen 98with integrated side cover 100. The side screen 98 comprises asubstantially permeable fabric capable of promoting air ventilation tothe interior 42. The side cover 100 comprises a material capable oflimiting air ventilation through the vent opening 96. The side cover 100is adapted to be semi-removably attached to the side panel 40 with apolicable fastener 102. This configuration allows the side cover 100 tobe adjusted from a position completely blocking the side screen 98 to arange of positions allowing for varying degrees of ventilation.

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the side screen 98′and corresponding side cover 100′ define the side panel 40′. The sidecover 100′ is adapted to be semi-removably attached to the side screen98′ with a policable fastener 102′. Both the side cover 100′ and theside screen 98′ are adapted to be received by the side perimeter 80′.The side cover 100′ and the side screen 98′ cooperate to define anopening 108′ to provide user access to the interior 42′ of the camper.Of course, it is understood that other configurations are suitable foruse in providing the side panel 40. To this extent, while theillustrated embodiment utilizes a side screen 98′ and integrated sidecover 100′, it is understood by those skilled in the art that otherdevices may be used to regulate air ventilation within the camper 10without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the camper 10 of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 9, the solar curtain 92 comprises a panelthat is both heat-reflective and heat-insulative. The solar curtain 92is adapted to releasably cover the window 58. This configuration allowsthe solar curtain 92 to be positioned to reflect solar radiation whileinsulating the cooler air within the interior 42, or to allow solarradiation to enter and warm the interior 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, the solar curtain 92 comprises a sheet offlexible, insulative material defining a substantially heat-reflectivesurface. The solar curtain 92 is removably attached to the window 58such that the heat-reflective surface faces outwardly from the camper10. Removal of the solar curtain 92 allows solar radiation to enter andwarm the interior living space 42. Attachment of the solar curtain 92 tothe window panel 34 allows the solar curtain 92 to reflect solarradiation away from the interior 42, thereby limiting solar warming ofthe interior 42. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment of the solarcurtain 92 to the window panel 34 is achieved through a plurality ofpolicable fasteners 94. Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize other possible configurations for positioning the solarcurtain within the window panel, and the configuration depicted in thisand the other figures with regard to the solar curtain is not intendedto limit the solar curtain to such configuration.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the camper 10 is typically placed in the collapsedposition for transportation. When in the collapsed position, theconvex-arcuate profile of the cover 32 serves to increase theaerodynamic properties of the camper 10 and limit wind resistancegenerated by the camper 10 during travel. The cover 32 further serves toshield the various other elements of the solar structure 12 from damage.

As shown in FIG. 1, the solar structure 12 is configured in the extendedposition to define an interior 42. To utilize the temperature-regulatingfeatures of the camper 10, the camper 10 is positioned with the windowpanel 34 facing the sun. In order to maximize exposure of the windowpanel 34 to the sun throughout the course of a day, the camper 10 istypically positioned to allow the window panel 34 to face generallysouth when used in the northern hemisphere of the earth, and generallynorth when used in the southern hemisphere of the earth. From thisorientation, the various elements of the solar structure 12 accomplishtemperature regulation of the interior 42.

When the cover 32 and the window panel 34 are extended, sunlight strikesthe exterior of the window panel 34 and enters the window 58. When thesolar curtain 92 is removed from the window 58, sunlight is admittedinto the interior 42 and allowed to warm the interior 42. If the solarcurtain 92 is positioned to cover the window 58, the reflective surfaceof the outer face of the solar curtain 92 reflects the sunlight back outand away from the interior 42. The insulative nature of the solarcurtain 92 further mitigates the sun's heat from entering the interior42. In dark conditions, extension of the solar curtain 92 serves toretain heat within the interior 42 and limit heat loss due to thermalradiation through the window 58.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 9, the ridge vent 36 cooperates with thevarious vent openings 96 and the awning 38 to create a natural draftthrough the interior 42. When the ridge vent 36 and the vent openings 96are placed in open configurations, warm air contained within theinterior 42 is allowed to rise upwards through the ridge vent 36 asfresh air is allowed to enter through the vent openings 96. This freshair is shaded by the shade panels 104 of the awning 38, such that thefresh air is cooler than the warm air vented through the ridge vent 36.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description ofseveral embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broaderaspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representativeapparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of applicants general inventive concept.

1. A method for naturally controlling atmospheric temperature within acamper, the method comprising: providing a camper having an upperportion, a lower portion, and a plurality of walls defining an interior;positioning a window to be received by a wall of the camper, said windowbeing adapted to pass solar radiation in order to warm said interior;positioning a ridge vent to be received proximate the camper upperportion, said ridge vent being selectively movable between an openposition and a closed position; positioning at least one side vent to bereceived by the camper proximate the camper lower portion, each of saidat least one side vent being selectively movable between an openposition and a closed position; adapting a solar curtain to removablycover said window to prevent solar radiation from passing through saidwindow, wherein said solar curtain comprises a substantiallyheat-insulative panel defining a substantially heat-reflective surface;cooling the camper including the steps of: configuring said solarcurtain to cover said window; moving said ridge vent to an openposition; and moving each of at least one side vent to an open position,whereby solar radiation is limited from passing through said windowwhile warm air is allowed to vent outwardly from said ridge vent, thewarm air being replaced by cooler air venting inwardly from said atleast one side vent; and heating the camper, including the steps of:configuring said solar curtain to uncover said window; moving said ridgevent to a closed position; and moving each of at least one side vent toa closed position, whereby ventilation into and out of the interior islimited while solar radiation is allowed to pass through said window andheat the air within said interior.
 2. The method of claim 1, said methodfurther comprising: positioning an awning proximate said side panel,said awning being configured such as to provide shade to said sidepanel.